National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF)Dayton, Ohio - Display Aircraft

"The "Provider" was a short-range assault transport used to airlift troops and cargo onto short runways and unprepared airstrips. Designed by the Chase Aircraft Company, the C-123 evolved from eariler designs for large assault gliders. The first prototype XC-123 made its initial flight on October 14, 1949, powered by two pistion engines. A second prototype was built as the XG-20 glider. It was later test flown powered by four jet engines. The production version, with two pistion engines, was designated the C-123B. Chase began manfucture in 1953, but the production contract was transfered to Fairchild. The first of more than 300 Fairchild built C-123Bs entered service in July 1955. Between 1965 and 1969, 184 C-123Bs were converted to C-123Ks by adding two J85 jet engines for improved performance."

"The aircraft on display" at the NMUSAF "entered service in 1957 as a C-123B.In 1961 - 1972, it served in Vietnam - first as a UC-123B, then as a UC-123K flying low level defoliant and insecticide spray missions. During that time it received over 1000 bullet and shrapnel hits. Its nickname "Patches," derives from the metal patches that cover many of its battle scars. It is also decorated with seven Purple Hearts earned by crewman wounded in the aircraft. It was flown to the museum in June 1980."